How To Use Caulk

Caulk is great a material that can help you do it all. Aside from sealing cracks and filling in any gaps or joints you have inside or outside of your home, caulk is also used to help waterproof and weatherproof homes. It is easy to use and very durable. Considering that caulk is a multi-purpose wonder material for your home, it is even better to know that it is relatively inexpensive to buy.

Using Caulk Caulk can be used on practically any surface, including:

Bathtubs

Tiles

Plumbing Fixtures

Siding

Moldings

Skylights, window panes and windows

Door frames

Baseboards

Flashing

Foundations

Concrete and mortar

Blacktop and roofing

Baseboards

Plaster walls

Air conditioners

Gutters and downspouts

Fireplaces and wood burning stoves

It is important to remember, though, that there are different types of caulks. Some may be more suited to the project and surface that you are doing than others. Also, keep in mind that, while acrylic caulks are slightly easier to use, they often deteriorate with exposure to water. If you plan to caulk an area that is exposed to water, then use a solvent-based caulk.

Easy as Pie It doesn't matter if you're a novice or a pro, caulking really is quite simple to do. That is because caulk is almost always applied in the same way, so you don't need to learn any fancy, new techniques each time you want to use it.

You can buy caulk in either a squeeze tube or as a cartridge. Be aware, though, that if you buy a cartridge, you will also need to buy a caulking gun. Whenever you plan to do some caulking, make sure you have these items nearby:

Paper towels

Bucket of water

Mild cleaner or rubbing alcohol

Sponge

Caulk smoother

Utility knife

Before You Get Started No matter what you are caulking, always make sure that the surface of your project is clean. A clean surface will help the caulk adhere better.

1. Remove any dust or dirt from your surface with warm water. Never use soap.

2. Remove any leftover caulk that may be lingering on your project's surface. New caulk may not adhere properly to the old caulk. If you're using a utility knife to do this, be careful not to scratch the surface. If there is any residue left, use a mild household cleaner or rubbing alcohol to get rid of it.

3. Also, be sure to remove any mildew from the area using a cleaner specially formulated for mildew.

Remember, caulk doesn't last forever! There should be an expiration date on the package. If not, then throw out any unused caulk after one or two years. If you're not sure that your caulk is still good, then give it a test run on a non-porus surface. Does the caulk stick? Is it coming out smoothly? Does it set within the appropriate amount of time? If the answer is yes to all three questions, then your caulk is still good.

Caulking Time! If you've never caulked before, it may be a good idea to give yourself a test run first. Just use last week's newspaper to get a feel for what you'll be doing. Once you're ready to put theory into practice, then follow these simple steps!

1. Cut the nozzle of the caulk cartridge. Because it is a tapered nozzle, the closer to the actual cartridge or tube you cut, the wider the opening will be. Most nozzles come with markings on them. So, if the crack you are filling is about a ½", then just follow the guidelines on the nozzle. Always cut at a 45° angle. If you are using a cartridge, then place it in the caulking gun.

2. Always apply caulk holding the tube or gun at a 45° angle. Use even pressure to squeeze the tube or trigger.

3. As the caulk comes out of the nozzle, slowly move the tube or gun along the surface to be filled or sealed. Always go at an even pace. Your caulk should be able to fill the entire area where you are applying it. If it doesn't, you may need to cut a larger opening in the nozzle. But remember, it's better to apply too little caulk and add more afterwards than to apply too much.

4. Once you have applied all of your caulk, use a caulk smoother to even out the finish. If you don't have a caulk smoother, then just wet your finger or a popsicle stick to smooth out the bead of caulk.

5. When you are done applying all of your caulk, give it time to thoroughly set. It should indicate on the package how much time is required for the caulk to set. If you plan to paint over the caulk, it is important that the caulk has completely set before you start painting.

Tip: If you're caulking around your bathtub, do it right. Fill the tub with water before you start. Tubs tend to sink ever so slightly when they are full. So, when you caulk an empty tub, you may not apply enough caulk to compensate for the sinking. Which means you'll end up with cracked caulk the next time someone takes a bath.

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